Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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2521. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department is taking to ensure the implementation of the public sector equality and human rights duty in the public procurement practices of her Department and any related state bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44246/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's current Statement of Strategy clearly sets out our values as an organisation, which include respecting the rights of all people to participate fully in society, adhering to the principles of equality and respect for human rights, and protecting children and all the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people and championing their needs.

These values will be carried through in our forthcoming new Statement of Strategy, which has been developed in partnership with all our staff, ensuring widespread awareness of our duty to be guided by our values in all of the work we do as a Department.

In relation to procurement, my Department is currently preparing its new corporate procurement plan which will specifically address our duties and obligations in respect of considering social and ethical factors in our procurement activity and purchasing decisions, such as the promotion of equality, prevention of discrimination, protection of human rights, promotion of employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, and environmental sustainability.

I have requested the bodies under the aegis of my Department to respond directly to the Deputy.